Freshwater

Finding answers to the world’s pressing water supply and access challenges requires crossing disciplines and exploring a wide range of approaches. Stanford researchers are working together on sustainable solutions ranging from a low-cost water pump chlorinator to a high-tech, multi-million-dollar wastewater resource recovery center. They also are looking at water supply issues from a law and public policy standpoint, providing guidance to decision-makers through knowledge-based tools such as an interactive website illustrating California’s major groundwater challenges and potential solutions. To advance these and other innovative freshwater solutions, Woods supports the Global Freshwater Initiative, which develops strategies to promote the long-term viability of freshwater supplies; the Water, Health & Development Program, which identifies ways to improve and increase the sustainability of water supply and sanitation service delivery; and the Water in the West Program, which addresses multiple dimensions of realistic, integrated solutions to the American West’s water challenges. Read on for examples of work Woods-affiliated researchers are doing to ensure adequate supply and access to safe water for billions of people.

In The News

Drought Relief, at Last? New Signs Point to Strengthening El Niño

Stanford doctoral student Daniel Swain (Environmental Earth System Science), a 2013 Rising Environmental Leadership Program fellow, states that...
May 15, 2015 - By Rong-Gong Lin II, LA Times

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California Drought Threatens Even Oldest Water Rights

Woods Co-Director and Senior Fellow Buzz Thompson states that the drought now threatens even the oldest water rights holders. 
May 13, 2015 - By Sarah Gardner, Marketplace

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Fracking Chemicals Found in Pennsylvania Drinking Water

Senior Fellow Robert Jackson (Earth System Science) comments on connection between integrity of hydraulic fracturing well construction...
May 5, 2015 - By Kai Ryssdal, Marketplace

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At SLO Chamber's State of State Event, Drought is Key Focus

Features comments by Senior Research Scientist Newsha Ajami (Water in the West), about drought and groundwater management 
May 1, 2015 - By Cynthia Lambert, San Luis Obispo Tribune

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